Module 8: Skills of Leadership

Module 8: Skills of Leadership A course run for Scout Leaders in North Yorkshire June, 2007

Introduction: aim of the course To cover the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to become a more effective leader

Introduction: objectives • Describe and discuss a systematic approach to planning • Apply systematic planning to any future activity • Analyse the functions of leadership in terms of: - the task to be done and actions to assist it - actions to assist group cohesion - actions to meet individual needs • Recognise leadership roles being exercised in the group and how the leadership function may be shared and passed between the members of the group • Identify a range of leadership styles and situations • Identify one’s own preferred style of operation • Identify how leadership skills of adults and young people may be developed

Summary of pre-course tasks • Prepare a short talk/presentation telling the group about an activity/event/meeting that you organised, focusing on the planning aspect, and the success or otherwise, of the event • Be prepared to share your ideas on leadership with the group. What sort of leader do you think you are? Do you think you are an effective leader? What type of leadership do you prefer in others when you are not the leader in a given situation? • Bring to the course ONE good idea for developing leadership skills, either in adults or in the young people in your Scout section

Planning and Leadership • Why should we plan? • Complete the definition: “Planning is a way of…………….” • Is there ever a case for not planning something for which we are responsible as leader?

Planning and Leadership - DOOR • Decide • Organise • Operate • Review

Planning and Leadership - DOOR Decide • What is needed • What you want to achieve • When it is required

Planning and Leadership - DOOR Organise “ARTS” • Activity • Resources • Timescale • Skills

Planning and Leadership - DOOR Operate Do it!!

Planning and Leadership - DOOR Review • Did you reach your goal? • How well did it go? • What could you learn for the future? • What is the next DOOR?

Planning and Leadership Task (1) Presentations by members of the group (pre-course preparation: task 1)

Planning and Leadership Task (2) You have 15 minutes in which to plan a Scout section summer troop night activity on the local canal: open canoeing (14 Scouts, 6 canoes, 3 qualified leaders). Complete the D, O, and R elements of DOOR

Planning and Leadership: the “action- centred leadership” model The Task • What is it? • How is it to be achieved? • Is there an “objective”? • How detailed does the planning need to be? • Is there provision for monitoring/modifying the plan? • Does a review take place?

Planning and Leadership: the “action- centred leadership” model The Group • “Ownership” of the activity • Group participation in planning • Shared direction • Team work – all involved/motivated? • Co-ordination • Encouragement

Planning and Leadership: the “action- centred leadership” model The Individual • Awareness of role and responsibility • Understanding of nature of task/activity • Feeling of being “supported” • Special needs accommodated • Possibility of progress/development

Planning and Leadership: the “action- centred leadership” model Task (3) • As a group, reflect on the canoeing activity planning exercise you have just completed in terms of the above model • Did you take account of task, group, and individual? • Can you identify any “shortcomings”?

Planning and Leadership: possible leadership styles • Telling (directive) - based on instruction/supervision • Selling (persuading) – as above, but with explanation of reasons, welcoming suggestions + support • Sharing (consultation) – suggestion-based; some experimentation welcomed • Delegation – responsibility for decisions passed to others while leader continues to “monitor" (and could intervene) Try to relate the above choice of “style” to the ability of the group and its degree of motivation

Leadership Styles Task (4) (group discussion) Be prepared to share your ideas on leadership with the group. What sort of leader do you think you are? Do you feel you are an effective leader? What type of leadership do you prefer in others when you are not the leader in a given situation? In what areas, if any, do you think you might need to develop as a leader?

Leadership Skills Task (5) Course members are invited to share with the group good ideas for developing leadership skills, either in adults or in the young people in their Scout sections

Leadership Skills Task (6) In a leadership training exercise, it is imagined that a member of a walking group falls and is seriously injured. There is a need to apply an arm sling, support a broken leg, monitor consciousness, and get help. Use the 4 “styles of leadership” to demonstrate how this might work out in practice. This requires 4 members of our group here on the course to “lead” either by giving precise directions; or using persuasive methods; or applying consultation techniques; or by using a high degree of delegation.

Reviewer briefing • Did the group achieve the task? • Did the leader watch the group, evaluate and take appropriate action? • Was leadership shared with the group? • Were any resources fully used? • Was the group co-ordinated to ensure successful working together? • Was there good communication? • Were individuals helped and supported? • What leadership style was used, and how effective was it?

Module 8: Skills of Leadership